BRMCWC Headshots

Hello!

Chances are if you’ve made your way to this page you are attending the writing conference at Ridgecrest Conference Center at the end of May.

I’m Mallory - the conference headshot photographer! I’m so grateful you’re interested in what I do and the possibility of getting some headshots taken while at the conference!

I wanted to talk a little bit about what the process will look like and help walk through some questions you may have.

Should I get headshots? What’s the point?

First of all, I think anyone who associates themselves with a brand or business should have headshots. Not only does it help get your name and face “out there,” and fill space on a business card, it helps give you confidence! Especially as an author, your face is generally associated with your name. If you look your best in that photo, chances are you’re going to feel your best, giving you the confidence to put yourself out there and make more connections. Now maybe you already have headshots and don’t feel the need to update. Well I ask you again, do you feel confident in those photos? Do they represent you as an individual and what your brand stands for? If you answered “no” to those questions, maybe it’s time for an update!

What can I expect? Pricing?

I’ve put my pricing guide for headshots at the bottom of this page. I’ve laid out 3 different packages that speak to different situations. Hopefully this will make choosing a it easier! No matter the package, I will make sure you like at least one image before we’re done shooting. I understand that you’re paying for this service and you want to look your best!

I will provide a plain backdrop if you prefer a more simple background, but going outside will also be an option. Although the backdrop can come across “cleaner,” going outside will give us an opportunity to play with color and help bring out your individuality! All packages will include the images delivered through an online gallery that is downloadable. You will have all printing and sharing rights. When it comes to choosing which images I deliver, I will make the final call as the artist. (of course choosing the best ones)

Packages

Package One is great if you just need one or two images to put on a business card or website. The session will be quick and painless, taking 15 minutes at most. Your choice of indoor or outdoor shooting. Images will only be from the waist up.

Package Two will give you more options, therefore taking between 15-30 minutes. I allow this time because it can take a few minutes to feel like yourself in front of the camera. You will be able to go both inside and outside if you choose. These images can be waist up and/or full body, whichever you prefer.

Package Three is if you want to go “all out.” You’re there for the conference anyway so I say why not?! You’ll receive all 10 images in color and black and white (a total of 20 images). This really is a great price for all of those images! These will be waist up and full body, again only if you choose. We will go to multiple locations to give you a few different looks. This session will most likely take 15-30 minutes.

What should I wear?

Whatever makes you feel confident and your best self. Although a new outfit can be great, make sure to wear something that represents you. Feel free to bring accessories. Necklaces, hats, and jackets, are great ways to add a pop of color and spruce up an outfit.

As for things to avoid, fluorescent colors reflect off the skin, so please avoid those. Earth tones and neutrals are usually best!

I want to book! What now?

First off, yay! I cannot wait to meet you and help you invest in photos you love!

The easiest way to book is to go to the link below either on a computer or mobile device. From there, click “Let’s Go” and you’ll be able to find a date and time that works best for you.

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If you would like to see more of my work you can explore my website or my instagram @malloryjophoto. Please feel free to ask me any questions.

You can email me at malloryjophoto@gmail.com or text me at (336) 406-7284.

3 Ways to Take Better Photos

Summer is finally here! Sunshine, trips to the beach, days at the pool, and trying your best to capture every moment in between. Whether you consider yourself to be artistic or not, you want to snap those sweet moments! And as much as I would love to go on every vacation with you, that’s not an option.

So - how can you improve your quick snaps this summer?

  1. The Rule of Thirds

    Sound hard and like some crazy photographer term? It’s actually pretty simple! The rule of thirds is a compositional rule. You know those lines that show up on your iPhone camera when you turn on a certain setting? That’s the rule of thirds.

    Basically it’s a mental (sometimes physical) grid that breaks up your photo into thirds. 2 horizontal lines and 2 vertical lines that create 4 intersecting points. (didn’t think you’d have to use math did you?) Lining your subject up with one of those points or lines creates a well composed photo! This can apply to a horizontal image or vertical.

    So for example, when you’re taking a photo of someones face, it’s best to line it up on the rule of thirds. Their eyes with the top third, nose in the middle, mouth/chin on the bottom third. I’ve put some examples below. It can apply to landscapes, portraits, really anything. Even painting…but I won’t get into that now. #thephotographerwhopaints

2. Frame your Subject

Chances are there’s going to be a million things going on around you when you take that photo. Going along with the rule of thirds, make sure your subject is in focus and framed. Foreground is a great way to play with this! The unprofessional version of the word foreground is the blurred out stuff in front of the picture. It can actually help frame your subject!

Practice using the things around you to help draw the viewer to your subject. Use a beachball for color, a flower, even sun glare to point your eyes towards your subject. You could even get your kids involved, letting them find things to use in the foreground.

Another easy way to frame your subject is the vignette setting. You can find this on really any editing app or software. With just a little adjusting, your subject can go from alone on a landscape to dramatically framed. Instagram also has focus adjusters in the editing tab that can be helpful.

Here are a few examples of foreground and vignette!

3. Be Intentional

The whole reason you want to capture that moment is because it has meaning and you want to remember it. So be intentional. Something I’ve had to learn as a photographer, married to a “non photographer,” is that sometimes just enjoying the moment is best! With that being said, this is my career and I highly encourage capturing moments. SO be intentional and choose those moments well. Maybe take the first 5 minutes you’re at the pool and snap a few photos, then take the rest of the time to swim with your kiddos and leave your phone.

By being intentional about the moments you capture and using the “rules” above, you’ll be able to take pictures you’re proud of. It won’t take a million selfies to get the right one, maybe only 25. ;)

Like I said above, you can even get the kids involved! Using you imagination and creative side of your brain (because everyone is creative in their own way) is something missed out on too often in this generation. Be present, be intentional, and have fun!

I hope these few little “rules” help you take more images you’re happy with this summer! Get creative and remember to have fun!!

Be sure to tag me in any photos you take using these suggestions! #malloryjophototips

Fall Favorites

It’s so hard to even begin.

Wow. What an amazing fall season it’s been! Thank you to every single person who took the time to pose and laugh to help make some really beautiful moments!

One of my favorite quotes says

“When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a happy dance.”

It’s so true!!! I’m over hear happy dancing into the Holidays because I am truly grateful for every family, baby, and couple I’ve had the privilege of photographing.

Below are a few of my favorite photos from this season and stories behind the moment captured

(it was so hard to choose!)


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Alright first up. I couldn’t NOT include this photo of sweet Sibbes. This kids spirit will light up any room. When I asked him to throw leaves in the air I got an excited “yes!” Being my first shoot of the fall season, the leaves were few and far between but that didn’t stop his joy from overflowing. I felt the same way about the changing leaves!


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Sweet Natalie. I’ve been capturing her free spirit through my lens for a few years now and it has been such an honor! Every time we take photos she is so excited and always invites me to dinner after (insert crying emoji) She is curious and a precious wildflower. I hope she never stops exploring!


The Malik family traveled out of state just for their photo session. I couldn’t believe it. (especially since they found me through a hashtag on Instagram) But let me tell you I am so glad they did! It was FREEZING cold on top of the mountain but they were troopers. I’m pretty sure I complained more than they did. This isn’t the most amazing photograph but it speaks a lot about my journey as a photographer and artist. A year ago I wouldn’t have included this in a gallery but I truly love it. Thanks for joining this creative journey with me!


Stella June. This precious babe had been prayed for for years. I had the privilege of capturing her when she was just a bean in her momma’s belly right on this same land. I then got to meet her when she was new to the world, and of course captured her at one years old! (did you know we now offer milestone sessions?) I love the way her daddy looks at her with a quiet admiration. The way you can tell she trusts him with those little teeth and the sparkle in those bright blue eyes. Mom and dad weren’t prepared to be in photos but sometimes those are the best captures!

On a chilly night at the park we got to celebrate miss Amelia! Mom brought all the props - including lace, flowers, and a homemade cake! This was so fun. I love when you guys let me just play! Don’t let the icing on her cheek fool you - she took the tiniest most delicate bites - which gave me enough time to capture the moments in between. Such a great idea for any age birthday! (maybe I’ll do a cake smash for myself in January)


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Want great mountain views and no hike? Look not further. Let me just say - I LOVE this field. I’ve captured multiple families in this neighborhood and every time it gets sweeter. For this session the fall colors were in full swing and the tiny little flowers were just an added bonus! Also can we talk about how beautiful this family is?! I mean come on.


Be still my heart. This sweet family won the giveaway for a Mini Family Session and I am so glad they did! This moment was created through sibling love and animal cracker bribery (no shame). But really - these two cuties loved each other so much and had such a special bond. Not to mention those amazing mountains in the background!


I included this photo because it shows FOUR generations! Such a special thing! I’ve captured multiple extended families this season and I think it’s just the best idea. It’s quick, easy, and creates priceless memories that can be cherished forever.


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I had to include at least one newborn in here!! Golly. It doesn’t get old. Tiny fingers, toes, chubby cheeks. This big sister was so in love and I don’t blame her! How can you not be?? Mom also included a flower crown and her wedding veil later on in this session and I really can’t think of anything more perfect.

Last but definitely not least - Fall Mini Sessions! Here are just a couple photos that I love from that day. The real life. silly, genuine moments. It was such a beautiful day and I’m so grateful for everyone who came! Be on the lookout for Spring Mini Session sign ups!


And that’s it. Just a FEW of my favorite moments from this fall season! It flew by. Thank you again for helping make this dream a reality! I can’t wait to see what next season holds!

Merry Christmas and much love,

Mallory